Cornerstone Day Centre is a drop in centre for people from all walks of life who are suffering some form of rejection, poverty, alienation, drug and alcohol difficulties, as well as those who are homeless or otherwise marginalised. The Centre, which caters for over 200 people every day, offers cooked meals, showers, haircuts, and advice about benefits or housing. The project is funded by Salford Diocese, and by donations from schools and parishes. It began in 1990 in a small cabin near the centre of Manchester to cater for the many people who were looking for some kind of support and help. The aim of the centre is to being people off the street, give them food, and assist them with dignity during their recovery.
The Centre is run by five staff and a vast army of volunteers, without whom the project could not continue. The Vincentian Volunteers are part of this team of people who are seeking to give a place of comfort and safety, and sense of self worth, to those who have been rejected, for any number of reasons, and who are now living on the edge of society. The Vincentian Volunteers cover, between them, thirty hours a week doing a variety of works. Some days they help to prepare the meals in the kitchen, other days serve the clients, or just have a little chat. On another day it could be sorting out the clothing store and helping someone to chose something suitable to wear. The volunteer can teach computer skills, or show somehow how to send an email. Maybe they will play pool or cards with them – all the time listening to and respecting the history and story of each particular individual. The Vincentian volunteer will discover new skills and abilities working in this very unique situation where nothing is too much trouble for the staff team.
http://wikieducator.org/Cornerstone_Day_Centre